Gripping device for gripping, holding and guiding containers and transport apparatus having such a gripping device

Abstract

The invention relates to a clamping device for clamping, holding and guiding containers, in particular bottle-shaped containers, comprising at least one clamping arm pair 1 with a first clamping arm 2 and an oppositely configured second clamping arm 2', wherein both clamping arms 2, 2' each have a bearing hole 4, 4' through which the clamping arms can be pivotably mounted, and a closing mechanism 13 (or opening mechanism) for the clamping arm pair 1, wherein, in order to provide a reliable opening mechanism, the first clamping arm 2 has a profiled lever 3 and the second clamping arm 2' has a driven lever 3', which are coupled to one another in action and serve as an opening mechanism (or closing mechanism) for the clamping arm pair 1.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a clamping device for clamping, holding and guiding containers, in particular bottle-shaped containers, and to a transport apparatus having such a clamping device. BACKGROUND

[0002] Clamping and transport devices for clamping, holding and / or guiding containers are known from the prior art, inter alia under the name "Clamping Star". They are mainly used in production line processing of containers or vessels, in particular for filling with liquids or other bulk goods. Such devices are also used in labelling machines for applying labels to containers, for example identifying the contents of the containers, or even in cleaning or rinsing stations, so-called "rinsers".

[0003] In the context of the present invention, the term "container" is understood in particular, but not exclusively, as a container having a substantially circular cross-section, for example a bottle, a can or a glassware, composed of glass, metal or plastic, depending on the respective use. In the context of the present invention, the term "carrier element" is understood in particular, but not exclusively, as a special pin-shaped fixing element, for example in the form of a carrier pin, which is rotatably fitted into a socket proportional to the respective carrier element.

[0004] Batch processing of such containers or vessels requires frequent opening and closing of the pair of clamping arms. Opening mechanisms for this purpose, for example control cams or pivots, are known from the prior art. With regard to the clamping arms, a positioning device is known which provides appropriate first and second toothed portions on each respective clamping arm in order to be operatively engaged with one another. The toothed portions support the opening mechanism and thus have the functions of force transmission as well as positioning, since they ensure the planar alignment and synchronous movement of the clamping arms relative to one another.

[0005] One problem in the prior art is that the toothed portions are subjected to high forces and therefore quickly wear out. This is due to the fact that the force required for opening or closing the clamping arms acts directly only on one clamping arm and is transmitted to the second clamping arm via the toothed portions. A failure of the toothed portions not only leads to a stoppage of the filling apparatus; in addition, the hygiene aspects in the production assembly line have to be taken into account, in particular when filling or respectively subsequent processing of foodstuffs, etc. SUMMARY

[0006] The present invention is based on the task of eliminating or at least minimizing the problems known from the prior art. In particular, the task aims at reducing the high wear on the toothed portions of the clamping arms.

[0007] The invention solves this task by means of a clamping device according to claim 1. Thus, a clamping device for clamping, holding and guiding containers, in particular bottle-shaped containers, is provided, which has at least one pair of clamping arms, comprising a first clamping arm and an oppositely designed second clamping arm, wherein both clamping arms have a respective bearing hole via which the clamping arms can be pivotably mounted, and a closing mechanism for the pair of clamping arms. In order to provide a reliable opening mechanism, the first clamping arm comprises a profiled rod and the second clamping arm comprises a driven rod, which are operably engaged with one another and serve as an opening mechanism for the pair of clamping arms.

[0008] The advantage of a thus designed device is that the profiled rod of the first clamping arm establishes a force transmission connection with the driven rod of the second clamping arm. Thus, an external force that can act directly on the profiled rod is transmitted directly to the driven rod. This leads to the pair of clamping arms entering the open position from the closed position. The direct transmission of force not only causes a pivoting movement of the first clamping arm, but also a parallel pivoting movement of the second clamping arm. Thereby, a more reliable opening mechanism is provided, which can also be used without toothed parts. Furthermore, since the rods, also referred to as active engagement rods, are designed as opening mechanisms and thus correspondingly shaped and configured, the force to be transmitted does not cause premature wear of the rods. Finally, the likelihood of failure of the pair of clamping arms is reduced, or the service life is correspondingly increased.

[0009] The clamping device according to the invention also has the advantage of consisting of fewer components, wherein known components, such as mounting plates, control cam shafts, etc., are dispensed with.

[0010] A further advantage of the clamping device according to the invention, in particular of the profiled rod of the first clamping arm and the driven rod of the second clamping arm, is that, in comparison with clamping devices that are actuated using a control cam shaft or a pivot shaft as a force application device, there is less material wear when actuating and thus when opening the clamping device.

[0011] Alternatively, the profiled rod and the driven rod can be designed as a closing mechanism, and a pair of magnets or spring elements can be designed as an opening mechanism. Here, the magnet pair is designed as a repelling magnet pair and is arranged between the clamping section and the bearing axis of the clamping arms of the clamping device. The spring elements are designed as elements that expand in the clamped position, such as coil springs, and are arranged between the clamping section and the bearing axis.

[0012] The profiled rod and the driven rod are preferably configured such that there is a maximum contact surface between the two rods at a certain pivoting angle of the clamping arms. Thus, when the two rods are operably engaged, the force is distributed over the surface and does not result in a point load on one of the rods. Thus, material wear of the rods is reduced. In particular, this certain angle is the open angle at which the clamping arms remain in the open position for a certain period of time in order to grasp the next container.

[0013] It has thus proven advantageous that the contour rod has an effective section and the follower rod has a first follower section, in particular a second follower section. The first follower section is formed adjacent to the second follower section and has a contact surface or a contact with the effective section, through which the pivoting movement of the contour rod is transmitted to the follower rod. During the pivoting movement of the clamping arm, for example when the clamping arm is opened, the contact surface is displaced from the first follower section along the load direction of the clamping arm (and of the follower rod) to the second follower section, or vice versa. Furthermore, the second follower section has a shape which is at least partially complementary to the effective section and is at least mostly in operative engagement with the effective section, or with a maximum contact surface at a certain pivoting angle. The complementary shape makes it possible to achieve a continuous or maximum contact surface and thus a uniform distribution of the transmitted force from the effective section of the contour rod to the second follower section of the follower rod. This thus eliminates point loads and reduces severe wear on the rods.

[0014] In a further advantageous embodiment a particularly simple complementary design is used, in which the effective section has a convex shape, the first follower section has a convex shape and the second follower section has a concave shape. This is to be understood in particular as an arcuate or circular cross-section. Sections of this shape can be produced easily and quickly. Furthermore, this shape is advantageous for the rods, in particular when guided along the sections, since the size of the contact surface can be steadily increased and does not lead to sudden movements or corresponding jerks of the rods and thus of the clamping arms.

[0015] In order to stop the movement of the contour rod and thus of the clamping arm, the contour rod preferably has an abutment section which at a defined or second pivoting angle is in operative engagement with the outer side of the second clamping arm, in particular of the hollow cylinder, or respectively abuts thereon and stops the further pivoting. Since the clamping device is integrated into a conveying device which is moved in rotation at high speed and the clamping device is likewise driven quickly, the closing mechanism cannot usually decelerate the opening movement of the clamping arm quickly enough. This can lead to unwanted vibrations which for example can cause wear of interacting components of the clamping arm, such as rods or toothed sections.

[0016] The abutment section of the contour rod is preferably shaped complementarily, in particular concavely, to the outer side of the second clamping arm. The broad area of the abutment section thus abuts on the outer side of the clamping arm and leads to a faster stop or interruption of the opening movement of the clamping arm.

[0017] In another advantageous embodiment, the contour rod comprises a movement section opposite the active section, which actuation section is able to absorb the force for pivoting the first clamping arm. Due to this arrangement, the force of the actuation element on the actuation section of the contour rod is converted into a pivoting movement of the contour rod. This movement or force is transmitted to the driven rod, in particular through the active section, in substantially the same direction as the initial force.

[0018] Advantageously, the actuation section has a convex shape in order to absorb forces acting on the actuation section in a certain angular range a and causing the pivoting of the first clamping arm. The actuation element for co-acting with the actuation section (and thus for opening the clamping arm pair) is typically arc-shaped and due to its shape presses against the contour rod of the rotating clamping device. Thus, the edge of the actuation element is typically formed at an angle or gradient in order to guide the rod along the actuation element. Due to the actuation section and in particular its shape, different actuation element gradients and thus different opening operation speeds of the clamping arm pair are possible.

[0019] It is also advantageous if the construction of the first and second clamping arms has toothed or respectively toothed sections. These parts are operatively engaged with each other and thus mainly generate a movement or position synchronization of the two clamping arms. Thus, the clamping arms are always at the same angle to the axis of symmetry, which is at the same time a bisector between the first clamping arm and the second clamping arm. These sections are also used for force transmission, similar to the contour rod and the driven rod.

[0020] For an optimal spatial distribution and force transmission between the components of the co-acting clamping arms, preferably the toothed sections are constituted below or above the contour / driven rod along the bearing hole.

[0021] Advantageously, one or more teeth of the toothed sections are formed thinner than the contour and / or driven rod. Thereby material is saved, a higher precision is achieved and the parts are appropriately designed to their function - toothed sections for synchronous movement and contour and driven rod for force transmission.

[0022] The invention also provides a transport device for transporting containers, which has one or more clamping devices according to the invention. The transport device is also called "clamping star" and has in particular a rotational axis with a carrier plate on which the clamping devices are mounted.

[0023] The carrier plate is preferably ring-shaped or circular and designed in such a way that one or more clamping devices can be positioned and fixed on said carrier plate.

[0024] In another advantageous embodiment, the clamping device is equipped with a bolt-like and pivotable actuating element, which is non-rotatably connected to the first clamping arm, in particular in its bearing hole, as a bearing element, and has an actuating roller for pivoting the actuating element. The contour rod thus no longer needs to be actuated directly, but rather the pivoting movement of the first clamping arm initiated by the actuating element is directly transmitted to the driven rod and thus to the second clamping arm.

[0025] Alternatively, an arc-shaped actuating element can be provided for actuating the contour rod of the first clamping arm of the one or more clamping devices and thus for opening the pair of clamping arms. Thus, only one actuating element is required for all clamping devices, which saves material and costs.

[0026] The following features are not specified in the claims for clarification and can be found in other advantageous embodiments:

[0027] The driven rod consists of a pointed or protruding shape, in particular from the outside of the hollow cylinder of the second clamping arm. This shape is particularly stable and distributes the applied force evenly to the outside of the clamping arms formed or fixed thereon.

[0028] The second pivot angle of the abutment section is before or after the first angle at which the maximum contact surface between the rods is obtained. It is therefore advantageous if the rods are formed such that the contact surface increases steadily up to said first angle and / or decreases or remains the same after said angle.

[0029] In another embodiment, the toothed section has at least a segmented radially arranged tooth on the outside of the hollow cylinder for ensuring the positioning of the clamping arms relative to each other. This positioning device known per se from the prior art realizes the known prior art advantages. In particular, a precise positioning of the clamping arms relative to each other and a precise synchronization of the clamping arms is ensured. Another basic advantage of the invention is that the positioning device is only used for positioning and does not itself transmit any force, which significantly prolongs the life of the device.

[0030] In terms of functionality, it has proven advantageous for two oppositely polarized magnets to be used as a closing mechanism for the pair of clamping arms in addition to or as an alternative to a leaf spring. A first magnet is located on the inner side of the first clamping arm and a second magnet is located on the inner side of the second clamping arm, in particular, the second magnet coincides with the first magnet in position. In the context of the present invention, the term "coincides in position" is understood in particular, but not exclusively, as two oppositely positioned parts which, when brought close or into contact in the part space, cause a positive connection. It is pointed out at this point that the two magnets can be used as a closing mechanism or as an opening mechanism depending on the facing magnetic poles and their arrangement relative to the bearing axis. When handling PET or plastic bottles or containers, magnets are used in particular as a closing mechanism since they are more flexible compared to glass or metal containers and can be damaged when spring elements are used as a closing mechanism.

[0031] In an advantageous refinement, the clamping device comprises one or more spring elements as force transmission, preferably compression springs, leaf springs, torsion springs or tension springs, wherein one end of the spring element is located on the inner clamping arm side of the first clamping arm and the second end of the spring element is located on the inner clamping arm side of the second clamping arm. The use of one or more spring elements, as is known per se from the prior art, achieves the known advantages in connection with said spring elements. Spring elements as a closing mechanism are used in particular when handling bottles or containers with crown cork stopper bottle caps and / or made of glass or metal. Magnets as a closing mechanism attract crown cork stopper bottle caps, thus hindering the smooth transport of the containers. Furthermore, spring elements, which generally exert a stronger force than magnets, do not damage such containers. Finally, depending on whether the closing mechanism is designed as magnets or spring elements, less maintenance, less contamination and / or easier cleaning can be required.

[0032] The clamping device, in particular the pair of clamping arms, can additionally comprise two bolts and a plate. The two bolts are thereby mounted or fixed in the bearing holes of the pair of clamping arms and are themselves fixed or rotatably mounted on a bearing plate or an additional holding plate part. The bolts can be used as holding or respectively bearing elements for the pair of clamping arms. If at least one of the bolts is additionally equipped with an actuation lever, the bolts can also pivot the clamping arms to which they are attached, thus opening or closing the pair of clamping arms.

[0033] The clamping arms can be made of different materials, in particular in one piece. Thus, various manufacturing processes can be used, such as injection molding processes for plastics or sintering processes for ceramics or metals. Clamping arms made of ceramics preferably have a polished surface, thus having better chemical resistance and cleaning properties.

[0034] In another advantageous embodiment, the clamping arm, in particular its clamping section, has so-called spikes, which are formed from the same material as the clamping arm or are part of the clamping arm, respectively. These spikes have at least partially a pointed, wedge-shaped and / or hook-shaped design and, when transporting plastic containers, press gently into the outer circumference / surface of the container and / or from below into the so-called collar of the container at the front. The spikes are minimally invasive and do not cause any damage to the container, at least not any significant damage. This provides better stability and holding capacity in particular when clamping the containers, which is necessary during some processes, for example when closing the containers.

[0035] The clamping device can likewise comprise a stabilizing and guiding element, which is designed such that a further stabilization point / area is provided adjacent to the clamping section of the clamping device. The body and / or the base of the bottle is preferably guided through this element. The guiding element is passive and only comes into contact with the container. It can thus be configured in the shape of a half-circle or any other container shape into which the container can be placed and guided.

[0036] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0037] The following described drawings relate to preferred exemplary embodiments of the clamping device of the present application, whereby these drawings are not to be seen as limiting, but as basic examples of the present application. Elements from different drawings but with the same reference signs are identical; thus, the description of an element from one drawing also applies to an element named identically and / or numbered identically in other drawings.

[0038] It is shown:

[0039] Figure 1 is a top view of the clamping device according to the first preferred exemplary embodiment;

[0040] Figure 2 is a side view of the clamping device of Figure 1

[0041] Figure 3 is a bottom view of the clamping device from Figure 1

[0042] Figure 4 is a top view of a clamping device according to a second preferred embodiment;

[0043] Figure 5 is a bottom enlarged view of an opening mechanism of a clamping device according to another preferred embodiment;

[0044] Figure 6 is a top view of a clamping device according to a third preferred embodiment; and

[0045] Figure 7 is a side view of the clamping device from Figure 6 ​​side view of the clamping device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0046] Figure 1 A top view of a clamping device according to a preferred exemplary embodiment is shown, which comprises a clamping arm pair 1 with two clamping arms 2, 2'. Both clamping arms 2, 2' are one-piece and characterized by a clamping section 5, 5', a hollow cylinder 10, 10' with a bearing hole 4, 4', a toothed section 11, 11' as part of a positioning device 9 and a driving engagement lever 3, 3' as part of an opening mechanism of the clamping arm pair 1. In particular, the profile lever 3 of the first clamping arm 2 and the driven lever 3' of the second clamping arm 2' are drivingly engaged with each other as driving engagement levers. The same applies to the first toothed section 11 and the second toothed section 11'. In addition to the toothed sections 11, 11' and the driving engagement levers 3, 3', the first clamping arm 2 thus has essentially the opposite form of the second clamping arm 2'. The clamping sections 5, 5' are designed to clamp and hold a bottle neck and are arranged at a distance from the hollow cylinder. The hollow cylinders 10, 10' or the bearing holes 4, 4' are each for accommodating a bearing pin (not shown), which is inserted non-rotatably or rotatably into the hollow cylinder 10, 10' according to the opening mechanism. The toothed sections 11, 11' and the driving engagement levers 3, 3' are formed on the outside of the hollow cylinder. The clamping sections 5, 5' are also connected to the hollow cylinders 10, 10'. The clamping arm pair 1 also has a closing mechanism in the form of a leaf spring 13, which wraps around the clamping arm pair 1 like a clasp. The leaf spring 13 thereby exerts a force on the outside of the clamping arm pair 1, so that the clamping arm pair 1 is closed or correspondingly guided into the clamping position. The toothed sections 11, 11' are arranged below the driving engagement levers 3, 3'. The levers 3, 3' serve primarily to transmit forces from the first clamping arm 2 to the second clamping arm 2' and therefore have a wider configuration than the teeth of the toothed sections 11, 11'. In Figure 1The right side of the clamping device shown in the figure shows an enlargement of the area between the two hollow cylinders 10, 10', in particular to better identify the details of the profile rod 3 and the driven rod 3'. The profile rod 3 has a convex active section 6, a concave adjacent section 7 and a convex actuating section 8 at the edge. The driven rod 3' is formed with a convex first driven section 6' and a concave second driven section 6'', which are effectively engaged or can be effectively engaged with the active section 6. As a result, at a specific first pivot angle of the clamping arms 2, 2', a maximum contact or contact surface is formed between the active section 6 and the second driven section 6'. During the pivoting movement, the active section 6 and the first driven section 6' roll away from each other. At the same or second pivot angle, the adjacent section 7 abuts against the outer side of the second hollow cylinder 10' or the braking section 7' ​​and thus prevents further movement of the profile rod 3 and therefore also the driven rod 3'. The actuation section 8 enables an arcuate actuation element (not shown) to press against the section 8 and thus initiate the pivoting or opening movement of the clamping arm pair 1. Due to the convex shape of the actuation section 8, the compressive force of the actuation element can come from different directions, which is why the actuation element for initiating the movement can first come into contact with the section 8 within this angle.

[0047] Figure 2 Shown Figure 1 A side view of the clamping device, specifically the outer side of the second clamping arm 2' of the clamping arm pair 1. As described above, the leaf spring 13 is wound around the clamping arm pair 1, with each end engaging in a recess or slot 12 in the first or second clamping arm, respectively. To enable the clamping arm pair 1 to be opened by an actuating element (not shown), the profile lever 3 is positioned above the leaf spring 13. This ensures that the profile lever 3 at the rear of the clamping arm pair 1—opposite the clamping parts 5, 5'—is not obscured.

[0048] Figure 3 Shown Figure 1 A bottom view of a clamping device, in particular a bottom view of a clamping arm pair 1 having a first and a second clamping arm 2, 2'. Figure 1 Among the features described, the positioning device 9 is particularly clearly visible. The positioning device 9 comprises a first toothed portion 11 on the exterior of the hollow cylinder 10 of the first gripping arm 2 and a second toothed portion 11' on the exterior of the hollow cylinder 10' of the second gripping arm 2'. The first toothed portion 11 is equipped with three teeth, while the second toothed portion 11' is equipped with two teeth. They engage (interlockingly) with one another and serve primarily to synchronize the respective pivoting movements or movement sequences of the first and second gripping arms 2, 2'.

[0049] FIG4 shows a top view of a clamping device with a pair of clamping arms 1' according to another preferred exemplary embodiment. In addition to blind holes 15, 15' with magnetic elements 14, 14' as closing mechanisms, the clamping device has a pair of clamping arms 1'.Figure 1 The blind holes 15, 15' extend from the outside of the clamping arms 2, 2' and are formed perpendicular to the load axis of the clamping arms. Magnet elements 14, 14' in the form of permanent magnets are integrated into the blind holes 15, 15' and are fixed, for example, by a press fit or a fixing element. The two magnet elements 14, 14' have opposite polarities in order to attract each other and thus form a closing mechanism of the clamping device. The attraction strength can be defined as a function of the strength and distance between the magnet elements 14, 14', wherein the distance is also determined by the shape of the blind holes, in particular the depth, etc.

[0050] Figure 5 shows a top view of an enlarged view of the opening mechanism of the clamping device according to a preferred exemplary embodiment. The elements in this view are identical to the elements in the enlarged view of the opening mechanism in Figure 1 The profiled bar 3 on the actuation section 8 has a reinforcing element 16 in the form of a partial cylinder construction on the actuation section 8; i.e. the reinforcing element 16 has a lateral surface corresponding to a cylinder which partially protrudes from the actuation section 8. The reinforcing element 16 can be formed from the same material as the clamping arms and / or can be part of a one-piece clamping arm. Alternatively, the reinforcing element 16 can be formed as a cylinder and inserted and fixed in a cavity or recess in the area of the actuation section 8 of the profiled bar 3. The reinforcing element 8 has the advantage of additionally reducing the wear on the actuation section and providing a more determined or faster reaction control.

[0051] Figure 6 A top view of a clamping device with a pair of clamping arms 1'' according to another preferred exemplary embodiment is shown. The pair of clamping arms 1'' has a first clamping arm 2 and a second clamping arm 2' which are pivotable to each other. The movement can thus be performed synchronously; i.e. the first clamping arm 2 and the second clamping arm 2' each perform an equal pivoting movement towards or away from each other, each clamping arm 2 and 2' having a toothed section 11 and 11', respectively, formed around a rotation axis or on the outside of a hollow cylinder of the clamping arms 2 and 2'. In comparison to the pair of clamping arms 1' of Figure 4, the pair of clamping arms 1'' described here differs in that the clamping portions 5 and 5' are completely semicircular, in that the arm extension between the hollow cylinder / hole and the clamping portion is wider, and in that the blind holes or blind hole outsides 17 and 17', respectively, for the magnets as closing mechanism are more closely arranged. Furthermore, the profiled bar 3 and the driven bar (not visible) are formed below the toothed sections 11 and 11'.

[0052] Figure 7 A top view of a clamping device with a pair of clamping arms 1'' according to another preferred exemplary embodiment is shown. The pair of clamping arms 1'' has a first clamping arm 2 and a second clamping arm 2' which are pivotable to each other. The movement can thus be performed synchronously; i.e. the first clamping arm 2 and the second clamping arm 2' each perform an equal pivoting movement towards or away from each other, each clamping arm 2 and 2' having a toothed section 11 and 11', respectively, formed around a rotation axis or on the outside of a hollow cylinder of the clamping arms 2 and 2'. In comparison to the pair of clamping arms 1' of Figure 4, the pair of clamping arms 1'' described here differs in that the clamping portions 5 and 5' are completely semicircular, in that the arm extension between the hollow cylinder / hole and the clamping portion is wider, and in that the blind holes or blind hole outsides 17 and 17', respectively, for the magnets as closing mechanism are more closely arranged. Furthermore, the profiled bar 3 and the driven bar (not visible) are formed below the toothed sections 11 and 11'. Figure 6Figure 1 "Side view of a clamping device with a pair of clamping arms 1" in a closed position. In this first one sees a first clamping arm 2 with a profiled rod 3. The profiled rod 3 comprises a cylindrical reinforcement section 16 which is inserted or respectively arranged in the profiled rod 3 in terms of volume. The opening of a blind hole 15 is configured on the outer side of the clamping arm 2 which does not face the other clamping arm. Preferably, a cylindrical magnet which serves as a closure mechanism together with another magnet of the other clamping arm is inserted through the opening.

[0053] List of reference numbers

[0054] 1 Pair of clamping arms (first embodiment)

[0055] 1' Pair of clamping arms (second embodiment)

[0056] 1" Pair of clamping arms (third embodiment)

[0057] 2 First clamping arm

[0058] 2' Second clamping arm

[0059] 3 Profiled rod (as opening mechanism)

[0060] 3' Driven rod (as opening mechanism)

[0061] 4 First bearing hole

[0062] 4' Second bearing hole

[0063] 5 Clamping section (of the first clamping arm)

[0064] 5' Clamping section (of the second clamping arm)

[0065] 6 Active section

[0066] 6' First driven section (convex)

[0067] 6" Second driven section (concave)

[0068] 7 Abutment section

[0069] 7' Brake section

[0070] 8 Actuation section

[0071] 9 Positioning / synchronization device

[0072] 10 Hollow cylinder / hole (of the first clamping arm)

[0073] 10' Hollow cylinder / hole (of the second clamping arm)

[0074] 11 First toothed / gear section

[0075] 11' Second toothed / gear section

[0076] 12 Groove / slot (for leaf spring)

[0077] 13 Leaf spring (used as closing device)

[0078] 14 Magnetic element of first clamping arm (as closing mechanism)

[0079] 14' Magnetic element of second clamping arm (as closing mechanism)

[0080] 15 Blind hole of first clamping arm

[0081] 15' Blind hole of second clamping arm

[0082] 16 Reinforcing section / element

[0083] 17 Outer side of blind hole of first clamping arm

[0084] 17' Outer side of blind hole of second clamping arm

Claims

1. A gripping device for gripping, holding and guiding a container, comprising: At least one clamping arm pair (1) comprising a first clamping arm (2) and an oppositely designed second clamping arm (2'), wherein the two clamping arms (2; 2') have corresponding bearing holes (4; 4') via which the clamping arms can be pivotally mounted; and A closing mechanism or an opening mechanism for the pair of clamping arms (1); It is characterized in that The first clamping arm (2) has a profile rod (3) and the second clamping arm (2') has a follower rod (3'), which are operatively engaged with each other and serve as an opening mechanism or a closing mechanism of the clamping arm pair (1); The first clamping arm and the second clamping arm (2; 2') each have a hollow cylinder (10; 10') for accommodating a bearing pin, and the contour rod (3) and the driven rod (3') are formed on the outside of the corresponding hollow cylinder (10; 10'); The contour rod (3) has an active section (6) and the driven rod (3') has a driven section, and the contour rod and the driven rod are designed so that the active section and the driven section form an active engagement between the hollow cylinder.

2. The clamping device according to claim 1, characterized in that The profile rod (3) and the follower rod (3') are formed such that at a certain pivot angle of the clamping arm (2; 2') there is a maximum contact surface between the two rods.

3. The clamping device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The active section (6) is convex and the first driven section (6') is convex.

4. The clamping device according to claim 1, characterized in that The contour bar (3) has an abutment section (7) which, at a certain pivoting angle, comes into operative engagement or abuts with a braking section (7') of the second clamping arm (2'), thereby preventing further pivoting.

5. The clamping device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The abutment section (7) of the profile bar (3) is shaped complementarily to the braking section (7') of the second clamping arm (2').

6. The clamping device according to claim 1, characterized in that The profile lever (3) comprises an actuating section (8) which is arranged opposite the active section (6) and is capable of absorbing forces for pivoting the first clamping arm (2).

7. The clamping device according to claim 6, characterized in that The actuating section (8) is convex in order to absorb forces acting on the actuating section (8) in directions from a certain angular range α and causing the first clamping arm (2) to pivot.

8. The clamping device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first and second clamping arms (2; 2') each have a respective toothed section (11; 11') which are operatively engaged with each other to synchronize or position the movement of the two clamping arms.

9. The clamping device according to claim 8, characterized in that: The toothed section (11; 11') is formed along the outside of the hollow cylinder (10; 10') of the clamping arm and is located below or above the profile rod or follower rod (3; 3'), respectively.

10. The clamping device according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that: The tooth or teeth of the toothed section (11; 11') are thinner than the profile rod (3) and the follower rod (3').

11. The clamping device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The closing mechanism or the opening mechanism is configured as a leaf spring (13), another type of spring and / or a pair of magnetic elements (14, 14').

12. The clamping device according to claim 1, characterized in that The clamping devices each comprise a bearing pin for pivotably fixing the corresponding clamping arm (2; 2').

13. A transport device for transporting containers, comprising one or more gripping devices according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that: An annular carrier plate is designed such that the one or more clamping devices can be positioned and fixed on the annular carrier plate.

14. The transport device according to claim 13, characterized in that A pin-shaped, pivotable actuating element is connected to the first clamping arm as a support element in a rotationally fixed manner and has an actuating roller for pivoting the actuating element.

15. The transport device according to claim 13, characterized in that An arc-shaped actuating element for actuating a profile rod (3) of a first clamping arm (2) of the one or more clamping devices and thereby for opening or closing the at least one clamping arm pair (1).

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